If you’ve noticed your hummingbirds acting aggressively and chasing or attacking each other, there are a few possible reasons for this behavior.
Establishing Dominance and Territory
Hummingbirds are very territorial creatures. They often fight and chase each other to establish dominance and claim the best feeding areas. A common cause of aggression is when a new hummingbird tries to feed from a feeder or flower that is “owned” by another bird. The dominant bird will aggressively defend its territory from intruders.
When Does This Behavior Happen?
Territorial behavior is most common during migration seasons when large numbers of hummingbirds may pass through an area. It also happens in early spring when hummingbirds first return to an area to breed. The initial arrivals will claim the best feeding locations, forcing late arrivals to the suboptimal spots.
Tips to Minimize Aggression
- Provide multiple feeders spread widely apart to reduce competition.
- Use feeder styles that allow multiple birds to feed at once.
- Offer a water source like a mister or bird bath to provide more resources.
Competing for Mates
Aggressive behavior also occurs between male hummingbirds as they compete for female attention during breeding season. The males will chase each other, dive bomb, and even physically attack each other with their beaks and feet.
When Does This Happen?
In North America, breeding season happens in spring and early summer when hummingbirds migrate north after wintering in southern climes. The exact timing depends on the species and location, but aggression will be highest when the males are competing to attract females.
Tips to Minimize Aggression
- Provide multiple feeders and food sources to minimize competition.
- Plant plenty of colorful native flowers to naturally attract females.
- Use feeders that have perches and allow courting displays like “hover-feeding.”
Guarding Nests
Female hummingbirds can behave aggressively once they have built a nest and laid eggs. They become very protective and will chase, dive-bomb, and attack other hummingbirds or perceived threats that get too close to the nest.
When Does This Happen?
This nest-guarding behavior happens in late spring and summer when females are incubating eggs and raising young. The females are hard-wired to zealously defend their nests.
Tips to Minimize Aggression
- Locate feeders at least 10 feet away from any nests.
- Avoid trimming vegetation or maintaining nest areas while birds are nesting.
- Wait for nestlings to fledge before cleaning up old nests.
Unrelated Causes of Aggression
Sometimes aggressive hummingbird behavior is unrelated to territory, mating, or nesting. Here are a few other reasons hummingbirds may attack:
Legitimate Predator Defense
Hummingbirds rightfully attack predators and threats near their nests including:
- Bees, wasps, and hornets
- Snakes
- Lizards
- Cats
This helps protect eggs and young in the nest.
Mistaken Identity
Hummingbirds may briefly attack other animals or objects that they mistake for a threat:
- Bright clothes on humans
- Power tools or machinery
- Lawn decorations
- Vehicles
Once they realize their mistake, the attack stops.
Unusual Environmental Factors
In rare cases, unseen factors in the environment may cause disorientation and odd aggression:
- Chemical pesticides or toxins
- Electromagnetic waves
- Ultrasonic sounds
This is an unusual cause but possible in some situations.
Is the Aggression Harmful to Hummingbirds?
While aggressive displays like chasing, dive bombing, and fighting may seem intense, the attacks are rarely harmful between hummingbirds. They have specialized feathers and skeletal structures that protect them during tussles. The sharp beaks are primarily used for show over causing actual damage.
However, you should still contact a wildlife rehabilitator if you notice any injured or struggling hummingbirds after attacks.
When to Worry
- Broken wings or bones
- Missing feathers
- Cuts and wounds
- Disorientation
- Not eating
These are signs that aggression has gone too far and a bird needs help.
Preventing Window Collisions
One serious risk during aggressive encounters is hummingbirds colliding into windows. This often happens when they rapidly dive bomb or chase each other near houses. To prevent window collisions:
- Apply decals, tape, or strings to window exteriors
- Close curtains or blinds where possible
- Place feeders and plants further away from windows
If a Collision Happens
If you find a hummingbird dazed or wounded from striking a window:
- Gently place the bird in a ventilated box lined with a soft cloth
- Provide a very shallow dish of sugar water (4 parts water to 1 part white sugar)
- Keep the box in a warm, dark, quiet place for 30-60 minutes
- Release the hummingbird if it appears recovered and able to fly
- Call a wildlife rehabilitator if the bird needs further care
When to Call Wildlife Experts
In most cases, moderate hummingbird aggression during territorial disputes or mating season is normal behavior. But contact a wildlife professional or hummingbird rescue organization if:
- Fighting is frequent and sustained leading to injuries
- A hummingbird seems distressed or endangered
- Aggression continues despite your efforts to deter it
- A hummingbird needs rehabilitation care
They can provide guidance tailored to your situation and help any hummingbirds in jeopardy.
Key Takeaways
Here are the main points to understand about aggressive hummingbird behavior:
- Chasing, fighting, and dive bombing are common during breeding season as birds compete.
- Providing ample feeders, flowers, and nesting spots helps reduce aggression.
- Males competing for mates and females protecting nests are the usual causes.
- Take steps to prevent window collisions during territorial disputes.
- Contact experts if the aggression seems dangerous or persistent.
With some understanding of their behavior, you can enjoy hummingbirds in your yard and minimize serious conflicts. A few feisty skirmishes are normal and show you have a healthy, vibrant population!
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do hummingbirds fight over feeders?
Hummingbirds are highly territorial. They fight over feeders because they want to claim the food source as their own feeding territory and prevent other birds from accessing it. Dominant birds will protect the feeder and chase away intruders.
Should I hang multiple hummingbird feeders?
Yes, hanging multiple feeders is recommended. It allows more hummingbirds to feed at once which helps minimize aggression and fighting over a single food source. Space the feeders widely apart – at least 10 feet is ideal.
How close should hummingbird feeders be to windows?
Hummingbird feeders should be placed at least 3 feet away from windows, preferably much farther. This helps prevent collisions if hummingbirds chase each other from the feeder towards the window.
What plants attract hummingbirds and reduce aggression?
Some good flowering plants to attract hummingbirds and provide natural food sources include:
- Trumpet Creeper
- Bee Balm
- Butterfly Weed
- Impatiens
- Petunias
- Columbine
Having multiple plant food sources helps minimize feeder competition.
What time of year do hummingbirds fight the most?
Aggression peaks in early to mid-summer when males are competing for mates. Disputes over territory and nests also spark fights in spring and late summer during migration.
Can hummingbirds get hurt or kill each other fighting?
Injuries and fatalities from fighting are extremely rare. Hummingbirds have resilient bodies adapted for their fast flying and fighting. However, they can still get hurt by striking windows or fences during chases.
When should I take down hummingbird feeders?
In northern regions, hummingbird feeders should be taken down in late fall once the hummingbirds have finished migrating south. In southern areas, the feeders can be left up year-round as long as they are cleaned and maintained properly.
Conclusion
Hummingbird aggression most often occurs as the birds compete for territory, mates, and food sources. While the fighting appears fierce, injuries are uncommon. Providing ample feeders, flowers, nesting spots, and taking precautions like adding window deterrents can help minimize conflict. Understanding normal hummingbird behavior allows you to enjoy their beauty and fierce personality as part of the natural wonder of your backyard ecosystem.
| Cause of Aggression | When It Happens | Tips to Reduce |
|---|---|---|
| Territory Disputes | Early spring and migration seasons | Provide multiple feeders in a wide area, offer a bird bath |
| Mating Competition | Spring and early summer breeding season | Provide ample natural flowers, use feeders with perches |
| Nest Protection | Late spring through summer while nesting | Locate feeders at least 10 feet from nests |
